The association between LRP1 and chylomicron uptake after the ingestion of a high-fat meal

Background Evidence suggests that patients find the use of genetic information alongside dietary strategies in the treatment of obesity more understandable and more useful than general dietary advice alone [1]. But, as yet, specific variants that associate with individual responses to specific dietary factors in humans have yet to be conclusively identified. Chylomicrons are secreted by the small intestine after the intake of dietary fat, when they are responsible for the transport of exogenous lipids into the tissue. In vitro studies suggest that the low density lipoprotein receptor related protein 1 (LRP1) gene plays a role in the secondary uptake of chylomicrons, with LRP1 knockout mice showing decreased chylomicron clearance. Whether this is true in humans is unknown. We aimed to determine whether genetic variants in LRP1 are associated with postprandial chylomicron uptake in humans.